The worshippers assembled at the ground for prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.

An announcer said the governor provided water for their use, but the crowd went wild, saying "we don't need his water for ablution."

But the announcer added: "I have only said the governor provided us with pipe-borne water at the praying ground."

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Prof. Mohammed Yisa Gana, represented Governor Ahmed at the prayer. The Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Dabarako, was also in attendance.

Security operatives were at the praying ground to forestall violence.

Few vehicles were allowed into the praying ground. Beggars and hawkers were barred from its vicinity.

The tight security might not be unconnected with the Boko Haram scare in the Ilorin metropolis a few days to the end of the Ramadan fast.

Unconfirmed sources claimed that security was tightened in and around the praying ground to prevent local government workers from protesting the delayed June and July salaries.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged the government at all levels to give job creation a priority.

The monarch, who addressed his subjects in Ilorin, said: "Our children, after graduation, cannot secure employment. This is bad."

The emir, who is the chairman of the state's council of traditional rulers, appealed to the government to accord job creation priority. He noted: "Times are hard."

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Mohammed Bashir, urged Muslims to allow the lessons of the holy month reflect in their lives.

He advised them to be conscious of Allah at all times, saying, "this will make you observe righteous deeds at all times."